In early September, a glowing three-star review from New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells vaulted the Jersey City pizzeria Razza Pizza Artigianale to new heights of acclaim. Dan Richer, who opened Razza in 2012, is no stranger to critical accolades; in its first five years of operation, Razza won over the Star-Ledger, and a video by food. curated highlighting Richer’s meticulous use of gently fermented butter and naturally leavened bread attracted the attention of Eater and even the New York Times itself. In August of this year, NJ.com named Razza one of the top ten pizzerias in the state. more

Get ready for Thanksgiving with these festive food items!

Photo Credit: Asbury Park Distilling Co.

Craft Distilleries are Booming in New Jersey

By Laurie Pellichero

From Jersey City to Cape May, craft distilleries have been quickly popping up and producing local spirits throughout the state. While craft beers and breweries have grown quite ubiquitous in New Jersey, it’s been in just the past few years that these small batch distilleries, which now number 16 and counting, have been able to produce and promote their wares.

Founder Alak Vasa was working on Wall Street, putting in long hours and filling her days sitting in a desk chair when she stumbled across a French patisserie close to her office. Going to the patisserie soon became a daily ritual. The beautiful desserts coupled with the elegant atmosphere made Vasa feel like she could “munch away her worries.” more

All About Downtown Street Fair, Jersey City

The leaves will soon be falling, the air is crisp…it’s time for fall festivals!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming New Jersey events:

Museum of Early Trades & Crafts

By William Uhl

Since the founding of the American colonies, Chatham and Madison have been key historic locations from the Revolutionary War. Chatham was even named after a member of British Parliament who advocated for colonist rights, while the later-formed Madison was named after founding father, Constitution writer, and fourth president James Madison. Since then, Madison and Chatham have stayed connected to their roots both in the arts and soul.more

Be transported to another era.

By Erika Moritz

The Olde Mill Inn, located in Basking Ridge, N.J., is a preferred choice among other Central New Jersey hotels. Although the Inn is now known for its unique spaces for weddings and events, its beautifully landscaped gardens, and modern guest amenities, it also played a role in New Jersey history. more

Meet Wine Sommelier Terri A. Baldwin of The Bernards Inn

By Erika Moritz

The Bernards Inn, located in Bernardsville, N.J., is often recognized and appreciated for its extensive collection of fine wines. The Inn’s wine director, Terri A. Baldwin, developed the collection thoughtfully, offering a range of tastes and flavor. Aside from being the Inn’s wine director, she is also a wine sommelier.

“I believe education is very crucial to understanding and fulfilling the true enjoyment of wine. My personal goal is to use my knowledge to be a trendsetter in the wine world,” said Baldwin. more

Summertime is in full swing and that means it’s time to dine al fresco. A meal in the breezy evening air surrounded by a beautiful view and relaxing ambience is unbeatable and Monmouth County has an unlimited number of spots that provide just that. Here are ten places you must visit before summer ends. more

In the early 1800s, the southern banks of the Navesink River bustled with steamboats, sailboats, and commercial fishermen transporting shellfish and local crops to New York City. In 1908, the area was incorporated into the town of Red Bank, whose name is attributed to the clay found along its coast. Come 2017, you’ll still find sailors and fisherman along these red banks, but you’ll also find young professionals on their way to stand-up paddle yoga. Indeed, some of Red Bank’s 12,200 residents start their day floating on the Navesink River with Flow Paddle Yoga. Others grab a Rook Coffee before walking their dogs past the shops on Broad Street. more

Simon the Illusionist dazzles the audience with his magic tricks.

By Doug Wallack

On Saturday, June 10, the Chatham Borough Department of Community Services will hold the annual Fishawack Festival in downtown Chatham. Inaugurated in 1971, the festival — which takes its name from the Lenni-Lenape term for the Passaic River — is a day-long celebration of the region’s culture and history. The festivities will include local art exhibits, live music and dance performances, a car and truck show, a petting zoo, a climbing wall, an exhibition on Lenni-Lenape history, and more. more

Princeton Reunions is next week, so today we’re tipping our hat to Old Nassau.

A modern locale steeped in history.

Known as one of the most prestigious towns in the country, Summit, New Jersey was first settled around 1710 as a region of small farms. With the 1837 addition of the Morris and Essex railroad line, the town became increasingly commercialized and by the late 1800s, it was considered the premiere weekend resort area for wealthy city-dwellers. Summit, aptly named for its location atop the Second Watching Mountain, quickly became known for its rural charm. Due to its close proximity to New York City, many families built summer estates in the town to enjoy the fresh air and natural landscape. more

Photo Credit: Audrey Blake Breheney

“The Parkslope of New Jersey”

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

On the east side of the Watchung Mountains sits Montclair, New Jersey, an unhurried, charming town in Essex County that’s lined with thousand-year-old trees and architecturally significant homes. It boasts six historic districts and 43 locations on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Charles Shultz House, known as the Evergreens. A three-story Victorian mansion built by a respected New York architect in 1896, the home provides unobstructed views of the city skyline, marking the close connection between the suburb and New York City. Many Montclair residents commute to and from Penn Station for work, and with them come metropolitan influences. The small town is home to 39,000 people, seven train stations, two cinemas, a theatre, an art museum, and an endless array of cultural experiences. more

What started as a centuries old tea in Japan is becoming America’s latest food trend

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

“Matcha, matcha man…” So maybe that’s not how the song goes, but with seemingly the entire food industry “going green,” the new lyrics seem appropriate. A tea that has been integral to Japanese culture for hundreds of years is having a major moment in the United States. Why? In short, because it’s colorful and healthy, and in the age of rainbow bagels and diet fads, what more could Americans ask for? more

Meet NJ-Based Cheese Sommelier, Nadine Ryan of Common Lot Restaurant

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

When it comes to selecting cheese, I have two options: extra cheese or extra, extra cheese. As sophisticated as my process sounds, it’s evident that my affinity for cheese clouds my decision-making skills. Fortunately, there are individuals whose job is to guide people like me through the over 650 varieties of cheese, and Nadine Ryan is one of them. more

From cruises to 5Ks, Urban Agenda outlines a myriad of events in New Jersey to celebrate Mom.

Get your glam on at this evening of pampering, food, and entertainment

Calling all ladies! Downtown Somerville is rolling out the red carpet for an evening of entertainment, pampering, shopping and dining at its second annual “Girls’ Night Out” event on Thursday, May 11 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. more

Hop over to a stress-free Easter brunch or dinner at these NJ eateries

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

For some reason, everything tastes better when you’re not the one cooking. This Easter, free yourself from the homemade honey-baked ham and head to one of these local eateries for fresh and creative menu offerings. more

Wines from Bordeaux come to Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit.

“A wine without a soul is just a beverage.” Why not take a wine taster’s virtual tour of France, with a special stop in Bordeaux, at Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s Put the ‘Pub’ in Public Garden Wine Tasting? more

Buckle up for this culinary adventure in Summit, New Jersey

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

The Huntley Taverne is a rustic eatery with cathedral ceilings, a wraparound porch, and two wood-burning stoves. It is the ideal spot to grab a drink and savor seasonal tavern-style cuisine. Among their culinary delights is the Asian Plum Grilled Pork Chop. more

Tuesday, March 21

Summit, New Jersey is a modern locale steeped in history. Known as one of the most prestigious towns in the country, Summit was first settled around 1710 as a region of small farms. With the 1837 addition of the Morris and Essex railroad line, the town became increasingly commercialized and by the late 1800s, it was considered the premiere weekend resort area for wealthy city-dwellers. more